Bus Basics for Oahu

August 3rd, 2009

TheBus is a great way to get around Oahu without driving.  Not only do you not have to find or pay for parking, but you also can look at the great views along Hawai‘i’s roads instead of the taillights of the car in front of you.  The fare is $2.25 (it increased 25 cents this summer) and correct change is required.  If you need to change buses, request a transfer upon boarding that you can use as the fare on the next bus.  If you plan to take buses frequently, you might consider the four-day visitor pass.  It allows unlimited rides for $25.00.  They are sold at ABC Stores throughout Honolulu.

Most bus stops have a sign that lists the route that stop at that location, although occasionally the sign will be generic.  That is not a problem unless you are trying to catch an express bus — they do not service all the stops.  There must be an Express notation.  Usually there also is a spinning cylinder that shows the express routes and frequency of service.

Drivers will help you find the correct stop if you let them know what you need.  The buses have recorded announcements of major streets and upcoming stops so if you know the intersection of your destination it is easy to know when to get off.  Pull the cord that runs along either side of the bus to signal that you want the next stop.

Seats in the front of the bus are reserved for elderly and handicapped and are usually occupied by those individuals.  Locals tend to go to the back of the bus to stay out of the way because they know where to get off.  That leaves the middle section for tourists and others who might need to hear the driver call their attention.  Occasionally, buses are so full that people need to stand but that is often only for a short distance until seats open up again.

Rather than carrying around bus schedules, I use Google maps to find my route most days.  It has options for driving, walking or mass transit and will give you several choices to choose from for bus connections.  My iPhone uses GPS to chart a bus route from my current location to my destination.  It will tell me where and when to catch which bus.  I am addicted.  I can also check my progress to see if it’s about time to exit the bus — handy on unfamiliar routes or after dark when it is harder to see landmarks.
 

Posted by Cindy Scheopner  Follow me on Twitter @Scheopner

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Entry Filed under: Oahu